Why Do I Get Diarrhea After Eating Pork? Examining the Causes

You just polished off a delicious meal of pork chops, but an hour later you’re running to the bathroom with horrible diarrhea. This unfortunate scenario is all too common for pork eaters. If you frequently experience diarrhea and other digestive issues after eating pork, you’re not alone.

In this article we’ll explore the potential reasons behind pork’s laxative effect and what you can do to prevent it.

Food Allergies or Intolerances

One of the most likely explanations for post-pork diarrhea is a food allergy or intolerance. While full-blown pork allergies are relatively rare, intolerances to compounds found in pork are more common.

With a pork allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies pork proteins as a threat and releases histamine, causing diarrhea, vomiting, hives, and other symptoms.

A pork intolerance means your body lacks the enzymes needed to properly digest components in pork. This triggers diarrhea, bloating, and other digestive woes when you eat it.

If you repeatedly experience diarrhea after pork, an allergy test or elimination diet can help identify if an intolerance is to blame. Avoiding problematic foods may be necessary.

High in Fat, Low in Fiber

The high fat, low fiber content of pork may also irritate some people’s digestive systems. Fatty cuts like pork belly, ribs, and sausage are loaded with saturated fat. Too much fat at once can overwhelm your gallbladder and cause urgent, watery stools

Plus, pork contains little insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to stool. Without adequate fiber, stools may become loose. Choosing leaner cuts of pork and eating more high-fiber plant foods may help manage these issues.

Undercooked Pork and Food Poisoning

Consuming undercooked, contaminated pork is another common cause of post-pork diarrhea. Pork needs to reach an internal temperature of 145°F to kill off any dangerous bacteria or parasites.

Trichinella spiralis is a parasitic worm often found in pork. Consuming undercooked trichinella-infected pork allows the worms to survive and enter your intestines.

As the worms mature and reproduce, they can cause severe symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, and chills. Always use a meat thermometer when cooking pork.

Antibiotics and Hormones

The use of antibiotics and hormones in commercial pork production may also play a role in pork’s laxative effect for some people.

Antibiotics given to pigs can breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Consuming undercooked pork with these “superbugs” may cause food poisoning.

There are also concerns that estrogen and other hormones fed to pigs may influence pork’s nutritional composition in ways that impact digestion. Further research is still needed.

Choosing antibiotic-free, hormone-free pork may help avoid these issues.

Other Possible Causes

In rare cases, digestive issues after eating pork could stem from:

• Contamination of pork from unsanitary processing or handling
• Bacteria or parasites present in undercooked cured pork like ham or bacon
• Consumption of spoiled pork that wasn’t stored properly
• Individual sensitivity to preservatives or spices rubbed on pork

If symptoms persist, work with your doctor to pinpoint the cause. Keeping a food journal can help identify patterns.

Tips to Prevent Post-Pork Diarrhea

If you love pork but want to avoid the runs, here are some tips:

• Choose fresh, high-quality pork without sliminess or off-odors

• Cook pork to 145°F and use a meat thermometer to verify temperature

• Opt for leaner cuts like pork tenderloin and limit fatty pork

• Increase fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.

• Buy pork labeled antibiotic-free and hormone-free

• Don’t let raw or cooked pork sit out at room temperature

• Refrigerate pork promptly below 40°F and freeze for longer storage

• When dining out, request pork be cooked thoroughly

• If allergic, carry emergency meds and avoid pork entirely

When to See a Doctor

Occasional diarrhea after pork may happen if you eat a fatty cut or undercook it. But if it becomes a regular occurrence, see your doctor.

Persistent diarrhea after pork may indicate an undiagnosed food intolerance, parasite infection, or other gastrointestinal issue requiring treatment.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like bloody stool, intense abdominal pain, dehydration, or fever along with diarrhea after eating pork.

The Takeaway

Pork can be a tasty addition to your diet if handled safely, but it’s understandable if it tends to go right through you. Pay attention to your body’s signals. If pork frequently causes diarrhea or urgent bowel movements, work with your doctor and dietitian to uncover the reasons why.

With some smart precautions like choosing lean cuts, verifying doneness temperatures, and limiting portion sizes, you may be able to keep enjoying pork without the laxative effect. But if it continues to cause digestive distress, avoiding it may be your best path forward.